Why this lunar eclipse was such a big deal? Well, not only was it the longest ‘blood moon’ this century, but it coincided with Mars’s closest proximity to Earth in 15 years.

You’ve probably already seen pictures of the Blood Moon lunar eclipse, including those that look like street lamps all your mates took, but they’re nothing on this incredible time lapse that shows the whole thing.

For some of us, the eclipse wasn’t visible because the weather was a bit dodgy. But that’s what the internet is for, right?

Watch: Blood moon lunar eclipse time lapse

Why this lunar eclipse was such a big deal? Well, not only was it the longest ‘blood moon’ this century, but it coincided with Mars’s closest proximity to Earth in 15 years, making for a double celestial spectacle with the red planet clearly visible right next to the red moon.

Why and how often does a blood moon lunar eclipse occur?

In astrological terms, a so-called ‘blood moon’ lunar eclipse is a relatively common occurrence, happening once or twice a year on average when the Moon falls into the Earth’s shadow, both being in alignment with the Sun.

The Moon takes on the red appearance because some light still manages to find its way to the Moon having passed through the Earth’s atmosphere. Because red light has a longer wavelength it has a better chance of making it, being less likely to bounce off particles in the atmosphere. It’s the same reason we see red sunrises and sunsets and why the daytime sky appears to be blue.

Unlike with a solar eclipse, viewers do not need protective eye gear to observe the heavenly display of an eclipse of the moon.